American Optometric Association - Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (AOA-CPC)

Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC)

Credential: Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC)
Credentialing Agency: American Optometric Association - Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (AOA-CPC)

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Paraoptometric Coder (CPOC) credential is an intermediate-level certification recommended for individuals with 2 years of relevant work experience and a high school diploma or the equivalent. Paraoptometric coders are responsible for ensuring that all the information about diagnoses and procedures for patients is accurate and complete. A certified paraoptometric coder can be the first line of defense against non-compliance and improper coding for the provider. Certified coders are expected to comply with state and federal laws. Candidates must pass an exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience: 2 years
  • Education: High School Diploma/GED
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 3 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

American Optometric Association - Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (AOA-CPC)

243 North Lindbergh Blvd
St Louis, MO  63141

Phone: (800) 365-2219

Fax: (314) 991-4101
Contact Page

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Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Applicants are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the medical coding and billing field.

The Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC) credential has the following other requirements:

  • Paraoptometrics who have been certified by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification are expected to abide by the APO-CPC Code of Conduct Code of Conduct.

Written Exam

  • Anatomy and Physiology (8%)
    • Eye Anatomy
    • Pathology and Pharmacology
  • Medical Terminology (8%)
    • Prefix
    • Documentation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management Services (1995 and 1997 editions)
    • Suffix
    • Retaining and purging
    • Root Words
    • Health Information Privacy and Accessibility Act
    • Abbreviations
    • Medical Records Reviews and Audits
    • Reasonable and Necessary (formerly “Medical Necessity”)
  • Review of Current Procedural Terminology (AMA) (22%)
    • Development of Procedure Codes
    • Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services Guidelines
    • Evaluation and Management Categories
    • Surgery Guidelines
    • Ocular System Surgeries
    • Diagnostic Procedures
    • Ophthalmic Guidelines
    • General Ophthalmic Services Definitions
    • Special Ophthalmic Services Definitions
    • Ophthalmoscopy Definitions
    • Other Specialized Service Definitions
    • Contact Lens Services
    • Spectacle Services
    • Category II Codes
    • Category II Modifiers
  • Diagnosis Codes (24%)
    • Development of Diagnostic Codes
    • International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Edition (ICD-9)
    • Health Care Procedures Classification System (HCPCS)
    • Medicare Correct Coding Initiative (CCI)
    • Overview of ICD-10
  • Medical Records (paper/electronic) (14%)
  • Claim Filing (12%)
    • CMS 1500 Form
    • Timely Filing
    • Redeterminations/Appeals
  • Compliance (12%)
    • Compliance Program
    • Contracts and Agreements
    • Other Carriers

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC) examination:

RECERTIFICATION

Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC)

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Paraoptometric Coding Certification (CPOC) credential has the following recertification information:

  • AOA-CPC individuals who hold CPOC designation are required to earn a minimum of 9 hours in continuing education every three years and provide proof of CE and payment of the appropriate renewal fee by the renewal deadline. Additional information maybe found on the AOA-CPC recertification page.


In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.

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Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click 'Complete Voucher and Apply' at the top of any page.

CG Bucks

Coming Soon - Coast Guard policy regarding service member eligibility requirements to participate in the Voluntary Credentialing Program is under review with a projected release date of first quarter FY20.

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 and Above

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

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ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: mimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

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NKO e-learning

Credential preparation courses are provided at no cost through Navy e-Learning. Click for external link to the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) web site, then select the “Navy e-Learning” link within the “Learning” tab to proceed to Navy e-Learning.

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
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Updated: October 16, 2019
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